Washing Waders: Can I use regular detergant?

[joseywales]

I probably wouldn't be so concerned witrh washing them, but I picked up a used set as a spare today and they've been sitting a while. Smell more like attic than anything.

These are the Orvis Clearwater chest waders. Do you really need to use what one site recommends: liquid detergent designed specifically for synthetic, breathable fabrics

Or can I just use regular laundry detergent, as long as it doens't have color-safe bleach or fabric softener in it?

 

[Heritage-Angler]

Hi josey - My choice is Revivex Synthetic Fabric Cleaner. I wash the waders with this on the gentle cycle in a front loading washer, making sure to tuck the straps into the chest pocket.

After washing, I renew the DWR finish with Revivex spray on water repellent. Just spray the still damp from the washer waders generously with the spray, and use a hair dryer to set the Revivex.

Here's a Simms set of videos that explains the procedure...

video

 

[Rolf]

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/gallery/gallery_display.html?gallery_id=00006

 

[nymphingmaniac]

powdered laundry soap in a bathtub will do.

 

[Shock]

I would try and use a detergent that won't clog the pores of the fabric. The Revivex Fabric Cleaner sounds like a good way to go, also. I have used Sport-Wash that you can get in the sproting goods department of any big box. It doesn't leave any residue. I even use it to wash my down sleeping bag.

I have another washing method that I adopted when I was using neoprene waders. Remember those sweat boxes. Haha!

I just wait until my waders are dry, put on a pair of sweatpants and socks, then put on the waders, turned inside out.

I then get in the shower and use a wash cloth and some sport-wash detergent and wash the inside while I am wearing them.

Probably sounds weird but it is fast and easy which means that I clean the inside of my waders more often that way.


Shock

 

[midnightangler]

Go wash them in the river.

 

[springer1]

I then get in the shower and use a wash cloth and some sport-wash detergent and wash the inside while I am wearing them

LOL - that's a great idea ! I do a similar deal when I return from a surf fishing trip - take rods & reels right into the shower with me & wash em down w/shampoo. 20 years of use on some of them & no probs due to salt & sand yet.

 

[FiveWeight]

midnightangler wrote:
Go wash them in the river.[/quote

Good one.

 

[elonDO]

When I was my waders I use Ivory Snow powdered detergent & then re-condition with Revivex. Has worked well for me.

 

[nymphingmaniac]

here's a question. Is the use of revivex really necessary? If I recall it seemed to wear off of my new waders in a few weeks. I haven't retreated in the 4 years I've had them. The outer fabric does get wet, but no leaks (other than a few pin holes). I guess I kind of answering my question, but there is a chance I've been lucky.

Any opinions? does it extend the life of waders? May be it extends breathability by shedding grime and limescale?

 

[Heritage-Angler]

The DWR helps with breatheability. It also seems to help keep stuff from sticking to the outer shell. YMMV....

 

[springer1]

A quick wash of paint stripper seems to remove everything - even the spray-on camoflage. But you gotta wash it off fast & thoroughly.

 

[Chaz]

Hot water and a good scrub brush.